Museums in Panama City

Step into the past of previous locations and inhabitants of Panama City in the Panama Viejo Visitor Center. On exhibition are excavated pottery and gold pieces and a burial ceremonial of the indigenous peoples who occupied these lands before the conquistadors came. Maps of the routes taken by the conquistadors, including the discoverer of the South Sea, Vasco Núñez de Balboa, depict the historical journeys that made Panama what it is today. There is also a scale model of what is now known as Old Panama, so you can imagine what Panama City might have looked like before it was attacked by pirate Henry Morgan.

At the Panama Canal Museum, located in Old Town, you can relive the history behind the construction of the Panama Canal, as well as learn how and when the first submarine cable was installated to advance communications on our isthmus.

You will be able to observe the miracle of nature that brought the Isthmus of Panama to emerge from the ocean depths and unite North with South America, prompting a massive species migration, when the Museum of Biodiversity or Biomuseum opens in 2014. Designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry, one of the seven museum halls, called "The Great Interchange", will explain precisely how mammals crossed the land bridge of modern Panama three million years ago.

Other musemus to visit:

Panama History Museum

Located in the Municipal Palace in Old Town.

Open from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Museum of Natural Sciences

Located at the intersection of Cuba Avenue and 29th and 30th Streets.

Open from Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm

Museum of Colonial Religious Art

Located on 3rd Street and A Avenue in what was formerly the Santo Domingo church and convent in Old Town.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:20 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Reina Torres de Araúz Anthropological Museum

Located on the corner of Diana Morán Avenue (entrance to ​​Los Llanos de Curundu urbanization) with Juan Pablo II Avenue and Curundu Street.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Afro Antillean Museum

Located at the intersection of 24th Street and Justo Arosemena Avenue.

Open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bolívar Museum

Bolívar Hall Museum (Heritage Site) is located at the former Bolívar Institute, in front of Bolívar Plaza.